By 90min | Created at 2024-11-21 14:54:01 | Updated at 2024-11-21 19:16:49
4 hours ago
Robert Lewandowski admitted that he wanted to join Manchester United, but it was Borussia Dortmund who blocked his move to the Premier League.
The Red Devils boasted an impressive squad in 2012. The likes of Nemanja Vidic, Ashley Young, Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were on the books at Old Trafford, guiding the club to a Premier League title in 2013.
While United were not short of attacking talent under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, they came close to adding Lewandowski to their squad list. The elite striker, who took the Bundesliga by storm with Dortmund between 2010 and 2014, has now revealed the true story behind what would've been a groundbreaking move to Manchester.
"I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson," Lewandowski told former United star Ferdinand during the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents. "I decided to join Manchester United in 2012.
Lewandowski continues to shine for Barca / Diego Souto/GettyImages
"I remember the conversation that was before pre-season, we were playing some games. I knew that he [Ferguson] was going to call to me. And at half-time, I was subbed off because I knew that I was playing 45 minutes.
"I had the call. And that time, you know, my English, that was on a different level. Especially if I'm going to speak with this kind of guy - Sir Alex Ferguson. I was very nervous and he called. I said, 'Hello, my name is Robert Lewandowski'. He said, 'Hi, hi...' you know, in this Scottish accent.
"I knew what I should tell him - Yeah, of course, I want to join Manchester United."
While Lewandowski had agreed to part ways with his German side and join the Premier League giants, Dortmund were unwilling to let their star goalscorer leave.
"I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund," the current Barcelona forward added. "He said to me, they need him. They're not going to sign me to Manchester United because I'm so important for them. It wasn't the perfect time.
"But that time I said yes, that's true. I said yes to join Manchester United because if Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you cannot say no, you know. Especially when I was 22 or 23 years old. And at that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy, but Manchester United were like the prime of Manchester United."
